Koh Samui to Koh Tao

How to Get From Koh Samui to Koh Tao

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1h 30mFastest
$15From
MaartenAbegailWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail

Koh Tao is a small island north of Koh Samui, known for its scuba diving. Cheap certification courses draw divers from around the world, and most of the nightlife sits along Sairee Beach. The ferry does the trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao at $15 (520 THB), and the crossing takes 1h 30m - 6h 15m.

DISTANCE

Distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Koh Samui and Koh Tao are about 68 km (42 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 30m and 6h 15m.

Map of Koh Samui – Koh Tao
Travelling the other way?Koh Tao to Koh Samui→

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. The journey takes 1h 30m – 6h 15m, and ticket prices start from $15 (520 THB).

Ferryfrom$151h 30m – 6h 15m

Koh Samui to Koh Tao by Ferry

Songserm, Lomprayah, Phantip 1970 and SmackOne are the ferry companies operating on this route. There are several departures a day from various ports in Koh Samui. Travel time is around 1h 30m - 6h 15m and ferry prices start from $15 (520 THB).

Departure port

Being the more popular and bigger island, Koh Samui has many piers spread around the island.

We recommend first checking the location of your hotel, so you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. Even if your ferry includes hotel pick-up, it will save you travel time to get to the port.

The ferries leaving from Koh Samui to Koh Tao depart from Bangrak Pier or Nathon Pier. Keep on reading to find the ferry schedules for each departure port.

Arrival port

All ferries heading to Koh Tao arrive at Mae Haad Pier on the east side of Koh Tao, close to many accommodations.

Once you reach Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao, you will need to arrange your own transportation. You can also ask your hotel if they offer pick-up service from the pier.

Check out our Ultimate Koh Tao Travel Guide to find out how to get around in Koh Tao.

 

 

Ferry schedule from Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Songserm · Speedboat$23
2h 45m
11:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
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From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Booking tip

The ferry of Marine Passion departs from Marine Passion Koh Samui office next to Bangrak Pier. This pier is located in the north of Koh Samui. This port is only about 10 km from Chaweng Beach, which is for that reason also the most popular port to leave from in Koh Samui.

Ferry Option 2

1h 30m – 2h 30m · $17 (570 THB)

 

 

Lomprayah · Standard$17
2h 30m
Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier) → Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)
11:00
Tickets
Lomprayah · Laemsor$17
2h 30m
Maenam Pier → Mae Haad Koh Tao
11:00
Tickets
Lomprayah · Catamaran$19
1h 30m
2 pickup points → Mae Haad Koh Tao
08:0012:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Booking tip

Lomprayah operates a ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui leaving from Lompraya office at Maenam Samui pier. This pier is also located in the north of Koh Samui, but more on the western side. This is a bit further than Bangrak if you stay around the Chaweng beach area.

If you stay on the west side of the island, it’s a great option that gets you to Koh Phangan fast.

Other departure stations

1h 30m – 6h 15m · $15 (520 THB)
Songserm · High Speed$15
3h 45m
Na Thon Koh Samui Songserm → Koh Tao Songserm
10:30
Tickets
Songserm · High Speed$16
4h
Nathon Pier Koh Samui → Songserm Pier (Mae Haad Pier)
10:30
Tickets
Lomprayah · Catamaran$19
1h 30m – 2h
Na Thon Koh Samui → Mae Haad Koh Tao
12:1516:00
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Koh Tao

Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Tao for every budget.

The Stamp Hotel
Budget

The Stamp Hotel

Located not far from Sairee Beach. The Stamp Hotel is simple, clean and provides everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The staff are the star of this hotel, helping you with recommendations and hiring scooters.

All rooms come with a patio or balcony for you to sit back and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds the hotel. This is a great budget option in Koh Tao!

  • Super clean rooms
  • Amazing staff
  • Good location
  • Great value for money

Private rooms start from $24 (810 THB) per night.

Check availability
Budchui Village2
Mid-Range

Budchui Village2

Budchui Village2 is located just 500m from Sairee Beach and offers a beautiful swimming pool. The stunning mountain views, lush greenery and tranquillity will make for a perfect escape from the busy streets of Koh Tao.

Staff are very helpful and will assist in booking tours, onward travel plans and renting motorcycles or bicycles.

  • Swimming pool
  • Close to the beach
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Friendly and helpful staff

Private room starts at $31 (1,040 THB) per night.

Check availability
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
Mid-Range

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel

Located in the Chalok Baan Kao area this hostel is surrounded by nature, lush scenery and tranquillity. The hostel has a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a great rooftop terrace for guests to soak in all the sights.

There is also a common area for socializing with a TV, books and a shared computer. Thinking about getting your PADI in Koh Tao, the hostel is also a dive centre. The rooms are spacious and clean with private balconies.

  • Swimming pool
  • Dive centre
  • On-site restaurant and bar
  • Extremely clean

Private room starts at $36 (1,220 THB) per night.

Check availability
View Point Resort
Treat Yourself

View Point Resort

View Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in the whole of Koh Tao. The views are exceptional, the rooms are perfectly designed for an island getaway and they even have a private beach area.

The lagoon-style swimming pool overlooks the sea below, or opt for one of the stunning villas which have their own private swimming pool. Life cannot get much better than this!

  • Beautiful swimming pools
  • Exceptional views
  • Private beach
  • Delicious complimentary breakfast

Villas start from $86 (2,900 THB) per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is also a popular diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license, the island offers beautiful underwater scenery with gorgeous coral gardens and tons of fish.

It may be just 1/10 the size of its neighbour Koh Samui, but that doesn’t mean there is less to see in Koh Tao. Here, you’ll find beautiful bays, beaches and viewpoints — all just a motorbike ride away. And the best part? You can enjoy all these at a more laidback and slow pace.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, roughly 68 kilometres (42 miles) apart. The cheapest fare is $15 (520 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is 68 kilometres (42 miles).

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 520 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abegail
AbegailReviewer

Travel Writer

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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